Monday, April 12, 2010

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I recently had the opportunity to listen to this book that came highly recommended to me by one of my co-workers who owns a dog (or two). Living with children and three dogs myself, I wanted a great book to listen to on my way back and forth to work. I was not disappointed.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, narrated by Christopher Evan Welch, was one of the BEST books I have listened too! The story is told from Enzo, the dog's point of view. Enzo is the constant companion of Danny Swift, a stock car racer. The story begins when Enzo is a puppy and how he and Danny form this lifetime commitment to each other through thick and thin. While Danny is at work, he leaves the television on the Weather Channel to keep Enzo company. Enzo believes that is when he first developed his thirst for knowledge. In time, Danny marries Eve and life gets a little complicated for Enzo, sharing his time with Danny with Eve. Before long a baby girl, Zoe, joins the family. Enzo loves Zoe and Zoe loves Enzo. The family is happy and life is great. That is, until a fatal illness attacks Eve. Unfortunately, the story gets very real now and life is a horrible struggle for Danny. He loses Eve, he is unjustly accused of a terrible crime, and to make matters worse, he temporarily loses custody of his daughter Zoe. Danny and Enzo maybe knocked down, but they live by the motto "There is no dishonor in loosing the race, there is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose." Danny fights his battles and wins. Enzo must fight his battles as well, painful joints, poor eyesight, tiredness, and old age. He realizes his time on earth is almost up and he is determined to come back---in some form, to rejoin Danny and Zoe. Check out this great book or the sound discs and discover the relationship between man and his best friend....a dog!

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Welcome to "New Lenox Reads" the New Lenox Public Library blog for adult readers. Here we will feature book reviews, staff picks and background information on various topics relating to books. Please feel free to add your comments!